Oceans 17

"This program has exposed me to so much equipment and knowledge that most undergrads and graduates don’t get to experience."

~Oceans 17 alum

Oceans 17 utilizes science equipment and technology to support research efforts as participants collaborate with UNCW faculty and staff.  Students will develop knowledge and skills that can enhance their future college experience. Students will interpret the data they collect and present their findings as part of a research symposium held on the final day of the program.  

Students will also have time to explore the UNCW campus and meet with our admissions staff as part of this pre-college experience designed to help them succeed in the ultra-competitive field of marine science.

• Conduct relevant research in UNCW laboratories at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science and other state-of-the-art facilities.
• Collaborate with UNCW faculty, staff, and graduate students to conduct real-world scientific studies unlike anything typically done in a high school setting.
• Participate in an ocean-based research cruise using aboard ship technology and oceanographic equipment to collect oceanographic data.
• Assess the health and biodiversity of coastal ecosystems while getting hands-on experience with the tools of professional marine scientists.
• Develop your scientific communication skills as you put together a team presentation based on one of the many studies you engage in during your time at Oceans 17.
• Complete a community service project that benefits the marine environment.
• Explore the growing field of marine biotechnology in developing new drugs and pharmaceutical therapies that will benefit society.
• Complete PADI Refresher course and have the opportunity to earn your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
• Participate in 3 dive days, total of 6 dives with a 1:4 instructor-to-student safety ratio (weather/condition permitting).

Please note, we have a new workflow for Dive Program applications. This workflow requires that students interested in diving must be medically approved to do so before registering. This is for student safety, as well as protecting your investment. 

Once you have completed your application, you will receive an email linking to step 2 of the application process. Here, you will be prompted to upload the completed PADI Medical Statement.

Please review the PADI Medical Statement below. If your student has any of the listed conditions, they must obtain a doctor's authorization in order to participate.

PADI Medical Statement

Per our new workflow, if you must obtain doctor's authorization, we will hold a seat in the program for you for 30 days (starting from the date that we receive a completed application step 1 + step 2 + teacher recommendation). If you do not submit the signed form within this time frame, we will open the seat back up to the applicant pool.